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And then there was one – or two, when it comes to the 1-124 re-ranking. Ohio State might be ineligible for the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the BCS standings due to NCAA sanctions, but the Buckeyes slot in at No. 2 on this week's list, ahead of one-loss teams like Alabama, Oregon, Georgia and others.

Ohio State's stay among the top two might be short-lived. The Buckeyes could lose to Michigan on Saturday, for one, but win or lose, the season ends there: OSU won't head to the Big Ten championship game, won't head to Pasadena, won't pass go, won't collect $200.

Meanwhile, a team like Alabama could beat Auburn, Georgia and Notre Dame. That would be enough to move the Buckeyes down at least one spot. Oregon could beat Oregon State, earn a Pac-12 championship and trounce Nebraska in the Rose Bowl. That'll knock the Buckeyes down another spot.

And so on down the line. But if USC beats Notre Dame to end the regular season, leaving OSU as the lone undefeated team in the FBS, the Buckeyes will end their season as the No. 1 team in the 1-124 re-ranking.

That's meaningless, but it's one way to properly illustrate the outstanding work Urban Meyer and his staff have put in during their first season in Columbus. And finishing 12-0 would have another beneficial effect: Ohio State would likely start next season no lower than No. 3 in the preseason polls.

A large American flag is displayed by West Point cadets during halftime ceremonies honoring the military during a game between the Army Black Knights and Temple Owls at Michie Stadium.
Danny Wild, US Presswire

Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) reacts with fullback Alexander Ogletree (46) after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium.
Dale Zanine, US Presswire

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) rushes with the football as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mike Taylor (53) defends during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium.
Jeff Hanisch, US Presswire

University of Central Florida Knights defensive back A.J. Bouye (21) breaks up a pass intended for Tulsa Hurricanes wide receiver Jordan James (12) during a game at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Tulsa defeated UCF 23-21.
Beth Hall, US Presswire

Michigan Wolverines running back Vincent Smith (2) receives congratulations from offensive linesman Elliott Mealer (57) after scoring a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium.
Rick Osentoski, US Presswire

Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) makes a catch over Indiana Hoosiers cornerback Brian Williams (7) in the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium.
Rich Barnes, US Presswire

Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) runs with the ball on his way to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium.
Rich Barnes, US Presswire

A lone Oregon fan sits in the stands after Oregon lost their NCAA college football game against Stanford in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012. Stanford won 17-14 in overtime.(AP Photo/Don Ryan) ORG XMIT: ORDR116
Don Ryan AP